SunRail track work commences this week

Track maintenance and upgrading is expected to begin this week on an initial 7-mile portion of rail right-of-way destined for use by SunRail, central Florida's planned regional rail service.

Florida's Department of Transportation was scheduled to begin work Monday morning between the Orlando Amtrak station and Lake Avenue in Maitland, Fla. Orlando is the hub of the planned initial 32-mile SunRail line. SunRail's second phase of construction will expand the line to roughly 61 miles.

The work, to be performed during nighttime hours, reportedly includes rail realignment and leveling. Work is conditional upon unexpected weather issues or other circumstances, FDOT said.

SunRail's initial segment is expected to operational by May 2014. Phase 2 extensions north and south are slated to commence revenue service in 2016.